Blind cut down apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of the type having a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and having a support body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a blind slat opening the blind components being insertable into their openings from one side of the support body, a die located adjacent to the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die, guides on the support body for the die, enabling the die to move relative to the headrail opening between two positions and a bottom rail and blind slat cutter operable to cut the bottom rail and the blind slats. A modified apparatus can be used to trim the width of a vertical blind having a headrail and control rods. Also disclosed is a method of trimming the width of blind, having a head rail, a bottom rail and blind slats.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting of the ends ofa blind assembly. This is a Divisional Application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/935,489 which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser.No. 09/414,767, filed Oct. 7, 1999, title: Two Handle Cut DownApparatus, Inventor: Norbert Marocco, which was a Continuation-in-Partof application Ser. No. 09/132,748 filed Aug. 12, 1998, title: ImprovedEnd Trimming Apparatus for Blinds, Inventor: Norbert Marocco, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,196,099 B1, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/132,750,title: Method of End Trimming of Blinds, Inventor: Norbert Marocco, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,178,857 B1 both of which were Continuations-in-Part ofapplication Ser. No. 08/627,015 filed Apr. 3, 1996, title End TrimmingApparatus for Venetian Blinds, Inventor Norbert Marocco, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,806,394, which was in turn a Continuation-in-Part of applicationSer. No. 08/526,329 filed Sep. 11, 1995, title End Trimming Apparatusfor Venetian Blinds, Inventor Norbert Marocco, abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Venetian blinds having a headrail and blind slats extendinghorizontally across a window space are well known. It is well understoodthat the width of the headrail and the blinds must be suited to more orless match to the width of the window space.

[0003] For many years it has been the practice to manufacture venetianblinds on a custom basis. Each blind would be made with the width of theheadrail, and the blade width corresponding to the width of a particularwindow for a particular customer.

[0004] This procedure is however relatively expensive. A salesperson isrequired to attend the customer's house, in most cases, and take aseries of measurements. An order is then placed at the factory, and someweeks later the finished blinds are delivered to the customer. Clearlyit would be desirable to manufacture a range of venetian blinds, whichcould be arranged to fit window spaces having a range of widths. Howevergiven the limitation of the design, this is simply not possible. Inorder to partly answer the problems of cost, and delay, of custom madevenetian blinds, it would be desirable to manufacture venetian blinds ina range of stock widths, and in a limited range of colours, and stockingthese blinds in retail outlets. A customer wishing to purchase a blindor blinds from such an outlet would simply come in with the measurementsof the windows of the customer's house. The customer would select thoseblinds which were as close to the measurements as possible, or onlyslightly wider.

[0005] The retail store would then trim the ends of the blind to thewidth desired by the customer. The system would mean that the blindscould be manufactured in larger production runs, thus reducing the cost.It would also mean that customers could purchase blinds and take themaway from the store almost on a same day basis. There are howevercertain problems with this procedure.

[0006] In particular the design of venetian blinds requires at least twoand in some cases more, raise cords, and tilt cords. These cords arearranged at equal distances from each side of the blind. Consequently,trimming the blind to width required trimming each side, by an amountequal to one half of the desired total trim amount, so as to ensure theblind had a satisfactory symmetrical appearance. However, the blindconsists of three main different components namely, a headrail, usuallyof U-shaped metal channel, a bottom rail and set of blind slats, thenumber depending on the height of the window opening.

[0007] In the vast majority of cases the blind slats were formed with acurved cross-section, and the ends of the blind slats were usually cutwith a slight bevel or radius, so as to avoid sharp corners at each endof each blind slat.

[0008] End trimming operations could not be carried out by simple handtools. Specialized dies were required for cutting each separate shape,i.e. for cutting the headrail and for cutting the bottom rail and forcutting the slat ends which were of arcuate cross-section with bevelledcorners.

[0009] Specialized dies and tools have been provided for the purpose,but, it was necessary for each retail store to be carefully trained soas to carry out the three separate cutting operations in a way whichproduced a blind which was symmetrical down each side.

[0010] One minor improvement on the situation was that certainmanufacturers provided a cutting die for cutting both the headrail andthe bottom rail simultaneously. In this system it was only necessary toprovide a separate cut for the blade ends.

[0011] Even in this system however, there were possibilities formistakes, and the operator required considerable skill. The cuttingoperation was also time consuming.

[0012] For all of these reasons, it is clearly desirable to provide anend cutting apparatus for cutting the sides of venetian blinds, in whichall three components namely, the headrail, the bottom rail and the blindslats are all cut in a single apparatus. In this way the time requiredin the retail store for the end cutting operation is reduced. Inaddition, the skill required is reduced since all three components arein a single plane.

[0013] One of the advantageous features in such an apparatus would bethe inclusion of an end stop which provided a fixed location, whichacted as a stop for all three blind components, once they had beeninserted in the appropriate cutting recesses, and in which the end stopwould move away from the trimmed off portions of the blinds once thetrimming or cutting operation had been completed.

[0014] Certain venetian blinds are available having blind slats, and abottom rail made of material which is wider, in some cases two incheswide. While the headrail, and the blind slats in this type of blind arestill made of metal, the bottom rail is frequently made of non-metallicmaterial. This is usually a solid, flat bar which may be for example beformed by extruding thermoplastic materials, or may even be made of woodin some cases, although this is not usual.

[0015] In certain types of blinds, it has become the practice to useblind slats of thicker material, than is used in conventional venetianblinds. In these blinds, the thicker blind slat material is formed ofextruded thermoplastic material having a thickness and profile which isintended to simulate older style wooden slat blinds. In addition, theseblinds have a bottom rail which is also of thicker material.

[0016] The cutting of these blind slats presents a somewhat differentproblem, in that, because they are thicker, it is necessary for theblind slat cutting blade means to travel through a longer cutting path.

[0017] In order to accommodate this, it has been found desirable toprovide a blind cut down apparatus in which the blind slat cutting meansis operated separately from the headrail cutting means. In this way, itis possible to provide a much longer cutting stroke than is required tocut down the headrail itself.

[0018] Due to the nature of the thicker blind slat material in this typeof blind, this does not create a problem of requiring extra manualforce. Although the head rails in this type of blind are made ofroll-formed metal channel in most cases, the cutting of such head railsis well within the capacity of the apparatus, since the headrail cuttingdie is required to move only a relatively short distance, ie. a distanceequal of approximately the thickness of the sheet metal material.

[0019] On the other hand, the blind slat cutting means is required tomove a through a much greater cutting path. This, however, is not aproblem since the blind slat material in this type of blind is muchsofter, and does not require so much cutting force.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] With a view to providing a more adaptable blind slat cuttermachine, suitable for cutting a variety of different blinds, theinvention provides an apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of thetype having a plurality of components including a headrail, and a bottomrail, and a plurality of blind slats, each having a predeterminedarcuate profile, and comprising support body means, said body meansdefining a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and meansdefining blind slat opening means being aligned along a horizontal axis,respective said blind components being insertable into respective saidopenings; headrail die plate means located alongside said support body aheadrail cutting recess in said die plate means for cutting saidheadrail; bottom rail and slat cutter means for cutting the bottom railand said blind slats; guide means on said support body for movablysupporting said die plate means, said guide means defining apredetermined movement axis, whereby said die plate can move relative tosaid headrail opening in said support body between two positions, afirst position in which said support body opening and said die platecutting recess are in alignment with one another, and a second positionin which said cutting recess is out of alignment with said opening,first means for moving said bottom rail and blind slat cutter means tocut said bottom rail and said blind slats, and, second means for movingsaid die plate means, between said two die plate positions.

[0021] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein said headrail opening, and said bottom rail opening in saidsupport body and said blind slat opening means, are aligned along acommon axis, and wherein said headrail cutting recess, and said bottomrail cutting recess and said blind slat cutting means are also alignedalong a common axis.

[0022] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein both said axes are coincident and are horizontal, whereby tofacilitate insertion of respective said blind components in respectivesaid openings and recesses and passages.

[0023] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein said die plate movement axis is substantially diagonal to saidaxes of said headrail and said bottom rail and blind slat openings andrespective said recesses.

[0024] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein said bottom rail and said blind slat cutter means are slidablymounted on said support body, and being movable relative to said bottomrail opening and to said blind slat opening means, whereby to cut saidblind slats, upon movement of said bottom rail and said cutting means.

[0025] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatusincluding blind slat support means defining a predetermined arcuateprofile, and mounted on said support body and wherein said blind slatcutter means has blade means defining a corresponding predeterminedprofile, whereby said blind slats are trimmed in accordance with saidpredetermined profile.

[0026] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatusincluding partition means in said blind slat opening means forseparating said blind slats into groups whereby said groups of blindslats are cut in sequence, upon movement of said blind slat cuttermeans.

[0027] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein said means for moving said die plate means comprises a manuallyoperable lever means, mounted in said support body, and transmissionmeans connecting said lever means with said die plate means fortransmitting movement of said manual lever means thereto and including ablind slat cutter rod connected to said manual lever means and operableto cause movement of said blind slat cutter means.

[0028] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatusincluding end stop means adjacent said die plate means, for engaging thefree ends of said blind components, whereby to define a predeterminedlength of cut in respect thereof, linkage plate means connected to saidend stop means and movement pin means connected to said linkage plateand responsive to movement of said blind slat cutter means, whereby tomove said end stop means free of said die plate means and free of saidbottom rail and blind slat cutter means for clearing of trim portions ofsaid blind.

[0029] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter apparatuswherein said blind slat opening means is located between said headrailopening and said bottom rail opening in said support body whereby tofacilitate insertion of said blind components into said support body andsaid die plate means.

[0030] The invention also provides that the blind slat and bottom railcutter means shall comprise a moveable cutter blade support, and aplurality of cutter blades carried by said cutter blade support, andwherein second movement means is coupled to said cutter blade support,and is operable to move such cutter blade support along a predeterminedcutting travel path.

[0031] The various features of novelty which characterize the inventionare pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to andforming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of theinvention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by itsuse, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings anddescriptive matter in which there are illustrated and describedpreferred embodiments of the invention.

IN THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a blind cutting apparatusillustrating one embodiment of the invention, partially cut away;

[0033]FIG. 1A is a perspective of a typical venetian blind;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1, withmovement shown in phantom;

[0035]FIG. 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

[0036]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustration of certaincomponents of the cutting apparatus, with other components removed;

[0037]FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration corresponding to FIG. 4showing the parts assembled;

[0038]FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of the portions of theapparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;

[0039]FIG. 7 is a side elevation or illustration of a manual mechanismfor operating the slat cut-off apparatus;

[0040]FIG. 8 is a perspective view in schematic form of an end stopmechanism;

[0041]FIG. 9 is a side view of another slat cutting drive linkage in oneposition;

[0042]FIG. 10 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 9, in anotherposition;

[0043]FIG. 11 is a partial side elevation of an alternate embodiment;

[0044]FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment for vertical cutting;

[0046]FIG. 14 is a section along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0047]FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a further alternateembodiment of the invention;

[0048]FIG. 16 is a side elevation of a cutter for trimming a verticalblind;

[0049]FIG. 17 is a perspective illustration of a modified form of endtrim device, for trimming blinds of a somewhat different type, usuallytwo inch blinds;

[0050]FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 17;

[0051]FIG. 19 is an end elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 18;

[0052]FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 18 and 19;

[0053]FIG. 21 is a section along the line 21-21 of FIG. 18;

[0054]FIG. 22 is a section along-the-line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

[0055]FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective illustration showing a headrail opening portion and a head rail cutter opening in a cutter bladeportion;

[0056]FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective of a main body and a cutterblock;

[0057]FIG. 25 is a section along the line 25-25 of FIG. 20;

[0058]FIG. 26 is a section along the line 26-26 of the FIG. 18;

[0059]FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a further embodiment ofthe invention; and,

[0060]FIG. 28 is a side elevation of FIG. 27.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

[0061] Referring generally to FIG. 1, it will be seen that oneembodiment of the invention is there illustrated in the form of a blindend trimming apparatus indicated generally as 10 in this case beingdesigned for trimming venetian blinds. Typically the apparatus may bemounted on any suitable form of work table or bench (not shown) whichmay function both to support the apparatus 10 at a suitable workingheight, and which may also have suitable supports and guides for holdingthe venetian blind itself during cutting.

[0062] A typical venetian blind V is shown in FIG. 1A and has variouscomponents including a headrail H a bottom rail B and blind slats S.

[0063] As explained, it is desirable to provide for cutting of all threeblind components namely the headrail, the bottom rail, and also theblind slats themselves, all cuts being made in the same plane,preferably without moving the blind between cuts, so as to ensure thatwhen trimmed, each side edge of the blind presents a symmetrical evenappearance.

[0064] The end trimming apparatus 10 will be seen in this embodiment tocomprise a base plate 12, and a main support body 14 attached to theplate 12 in a generally upright fashion normal to the plate 12.

[0065] The main support body 14 is formed with a headrail opening 16, abottom rail opening 18, and a plurality (two) of blind slat openings20-20, spaced apart by a central partition 22.

[0066] The headrail opening, the blind slat openings, and the bottomrail opening, are aligned side by side horizontally with one another,and are spaced in such a way that venetian blinds having a relativelywide range of numbers of blind slats, can readily be positioned withtheir respective headrails, blind slats, and bottom rail in theappropriate openings.

[0067] The headrail opening 16 is of rectangular shape in this case,shaped to correspond with the shape of a typical headrail.

[0068] The bottom rail opening 18 is likewise shaped to receive atypical bottom rail.

[0069] It will be appreciated that blind manufacturers use headrails andbottom rails of varying different designs and shapes, so that any onemanufacturer may wish to build an end trimming device suited for itsparticular blinds only, and not being suited to receive blinds ofcompetitors. Similarly, if such a manufacturer produces blinds havingvarious headrails, bottom rails, and blind slats of various differentdimensions and or shapes and profiles, then the manufacturer will supplyto its retail outlet a variety of different end trimming apparatus, sothat each retailer can trim a range of different venetian blind designssupplied by that manufacturer.

[0070] While the apparatus shown and described so far will suit only oneshape of headrail, bottom rail, and blind slat, it is conceivable thatsuch apparatus could be made with interchangeable recesses, and dies andcutters so that it could be adapted to trim the ends of variety ofdifferent venetian blind designs, simply by interchanging certaincomponents.

[0071] This however is not illustrated herein, and it is believed thatit will be obvious to persons skilled in the art as to how this could beachieved.

[0072] As explained, the headrail opening, the slat openings, and thebottom rail opening are arranged spaced apart horizontally so that acomplete blind consisting of headrail, slats, and bottom rail, may bereceived with their components in their respective openings. The blindslats can be arranged in bundles and slid through into the two openingsprovided, in whatever arrangement is most suitable for that particularblind.

[0073] As mentioned the entire trimming apparatus 10 is advantageouslymounted on a bench, (not shown) with clear space to one side of the mainsupport body member 14, so that the rest of the blind can be supportedduring trimming. This supporting function may be provided in some casesby one or more rails with guides, but can also simply be provided by abench or table, at a suitable height.

[0074] Headrail and Bottom Rail Trimming

[0075] The apparatus for trimming the headrail and the bottom railconsists of a die plate 30, which is slidably mounted on one side of themain support body 14 by means of lower guide 32 and upper guide 34.

[0076] The two guides are parallel to one another, and are spaced apartand extend along parallel diagonal axes at about 45°. The die plate 30is thus slidable within the guide rails along a diagonal upward anddownward movement path. Other movement paths such as arcuate, verticalor otherwise would also serve the purpose. In order to avoid any cuttingof the blind slats, by means of the die plate 30, a central rectangularclearance opening 36 is provided in the die plate, registering with theslat openings 20 in the main body 14.

[0077] In order to cut the headrail, a headrail cutting recess 38 isprovided in die plate 30. When the die plate is in one position, thecutting recess 38 is adapted to register with the headrail opening 16 inthe support body 14.

[0078] When the die plate 30 is moved into the other position, a cuttingaction takes place, and the opening and the recess are out ofregistration with one another.

[0079] The bottom rail cutting is effected by means of a bottom railcutting recess 40 formed in die plate 30, and adapted to register withthe bottom rail opening 18 in support body 14 in one position, and to beout of registration in another position.

[0080] Thus movement of the die plate 30 between one position andanother position, once the headrail and the bottom rail have beeninserted into respective openings and recesses, will produce cutting ortrimming of the ends of both the headrail and the bottom rail which maybe simultaneous, or almost at the same time, or in sequence dependingupon the design (see below), and in the same plane.

[0081] At this point it should be noted that the orientation of theheadrail openings and the bottom rail openings both in the main body 14and the die plate 30 are such that the headrail and bottom rail aresubstantially lying on edge, in planes parallel to one another butspaced apart, with the blind slats between them.

[0082] It will however be observed that in this embodiment the directionof the cutting angle is diagonal to the position in which the headrailand the bottom rail are lying. In this way, the cutting action of thedie plate, when it commences movement, takes place initially by applyingcutting pressure to one corner of each of the headrail and the bottomrail, and cutting is thus progressive through the two components in adiagonal manner while the two components are held fixed substantially onedge. Other cutting configurations can be used as will be explainedbelow.

[0083] This feature advantageously reduces the total force that must beapplied to achieve cutting, and so permits the cutting operation to beperformed by manual means. Of course it is possible that the entireoperation can be power operated as will become apparent below, althoughit is believed that this would unnecessarily increase the cost of theapparatus.

[0084] For example, cutting of the two components could take place insequence. The bottom rail die recess 40 could be slightly oversized asat 40A in FIG. 11, so that cutting of the bottom rail would take placejust after cutting of the head rail, to further reduce manual effort.

[0085] In order to apply manual cutting force to the die plate 30, thedie plate 30 is formed with a rectangular recess 42 having a bottom edge44, normal to the diagonal axis of the die plate, and two side edges46-46. A top closure bar 48 closes off the rectangular recess 42 forreasons to be described below.

[0086] In order to move the die plate 30, a driver mechanism is providedwhich in this embodiment comprises, a rotary cam member 50 is provided,which is adapted to engage the bottom edge 44 of the recess 42, formovement of plate 30 in one direction, and closure bar 48 closing therecess 42, for movement in the other direction.

[0087] The two side edges 46 do not contact the rotary cam, but defineclear spaces on either side to permit arcuate movement of cam 50.

[0088] The cam 50 is itself mounted eccentrically on a drive hub 52,which is rotatably mounted in the main body 14. Drive hub 52 extendsoutwardly from the main body 14 (FIG. 1), and is provided with a manualoperating lever 54.

[0089] The rotary axis of the cam 50 is offset relative to the rotaryaxis of the drive hub 52. Thus when the drive hub 52 is rotated bymanually pulling the lever 54 in the direction indicated by the arrow A,the cam 50 will be forced against the lower edge 44 of the rectangularrecess 42 in the die plate 30. This will force the die plate 30 to moveon a downward diagonal axis, thereby cutting both the headrail H and thebottom rail B of the blind. Releasing the handle 54 permits a spring(not shown) to return the handle and rotate the drive hub in theopposite direction, and this will cause the rotary cam to engage theclosure bar 48 and cause upward diagonal movement of the die plate 30.

[0090] Trimming of Blind Slats

[0091] The trimming of the blind slats S is carried out in thisembodiment as a separate function from the trimming of the headrail andthe bottom rail.

[0092] For this purpose in this embodiment, a blade mounting frame 60 isslidably mounted on main body 14, between main body 14 and the die plate30. Main body 14 is formed with two guide grooves 62, and the blademounting frame 60 is supplied with two guide bars 64, sliding in thegrooves 62. This arrangement is for purposes of illustration only.

[0093] The blade mounting frame 60 is of rectangular shape and definesan interior space 66. At one end (right hand end of FIGS. 4 and 5) ablade 68 is mounted on the frame 60. The blade is a generally curvedshape in end section, so as to provide a generally bevelled trim shapeto the ends of the blind slats S. However, the blade 68 can have anyshape desired for a particular slat design.

[0094] Generally curved blind slat supports 70 and 72 are provided onmain body 14, and on partition 22 respectively. In this way, movement ofthe blade 68 will shear the ends of the slats S, against the support ofthe arcuate slat supports 70 and 72, thereby providing a clean cut oneach slat end. The centre portion of the blade 68 moves in the sameplane as the interior surface of the die plate 30. In this way the endsof all the blind components are trimmed in an even and symmetricalmanner.

[0095] In order to move the blade support frame 60 to and fro, a drivermechanism is provided which in this embodiment comprises, a connectingrod 74 is secured to the free end (left hand in FIGS. 4 and 5), of frame60.

[0096] Connecting rod 74 may be powered by any suitable means.Preferably, in accordance with this preferred embodiment of theinvention, the connecting rod 74 will be powered manually. For thispurpose connecting rod 74 is connected through a support block 76 to arack 78 (FIG. 7), and a drive gear 80. Drive gear 80 is connected to amanually operable lever 82 and moves to and fro in slots 81. Swinging ofthe lever 82 in the direction of the arrow B will cause the connectingrod 74 to drive the blade mounting frame 60 to the right (FIG. 7) andreverse movement will cause reverse movement of the mounting frame 60.

[0097] In this way the slat ends may be trimmed in a single manualmovement. It will of course be appreciated that the rack and pinionmanual operation may be replaced by any other manual linkage orarrangement or by any suitable power operated means such as a powercylinder or the like. However such substitutions are deemed relativelystraightforward for persons skilled in the art.

[0098] While in this embodiment the blind slat cutting assembly isincorporated in the trimming apparatus 10, it will also be appreciatedthat the blind slat openings 20 and supports 70 and 72 could be madseparately and could form part of a separate apparatus, with the frame60 and blade 68 associated with them, so as to be separate from body 14and from openings 16 and 18, and die plate 30.

[0099] End Stop Assembly

[0100] In order to assist in the use of the apparatus and ensure thatthe correct amount is trimmed off each end of each blind, an adjustableend stop assembly 90 is provided as shown in FIG. 8. This will be seento comprise a stop arm 92, mounted on a slide bar 94. The slide bar 94is slidable in a slide block 96, mounted on device 10.

[0101] An adjustable fastening screw 98 is provided on arm 92, andsuitable indicia may be provided along the bar 94 so that arm may beadjusted to the correct position.

[0102] The slide bar 94 is slidable within block 96. It is operated bymeans of a curved linkage bar assembly 100. One end of the linkage barassembly is secured to an axle rod 102 extending from drive hub 52.

[0103] A particular length of trim may be selected and the stop arm 92may be moved to that length and secured by fastening screw 98.

[0104] The linkage bar 100 extends through opening 104 in bar 94, sothat when bar 100 moves downwardly, bar 94 is driven to the left (FIG.8), and vice versa.

[0105] In operation, when a trim cut has been commenced at one end ofthe blind, the linkage bar 100 moves down through opening 104, therebymoving the stop arm 92 away from the die plate 30. The loose ends or cutoff ends of the blind may then be removed, after which the arm 54 may bereturned once more bringing the stop arm 92 into the stop position.

[0106] In certain cases, it may be found that the thickness of the dieplate 30 is greater than the length of the trim portion which is desiredto cut off from one end of the blind. To overcome this problem, the dieplate may be provided with slotted recesses 110 and 112 (FIG. 2),extending more or less horizontally and aligned with one another, fromthe headrail cut off recess 38 and the bottom rail cut off recess 40.

[0107] The end stop arm in this case may be made sufficiently thin as at114 that it will fit within the slots 110 and 112 and thus extendcompletely across the die plate 30 from the headrail cut off recess 38to the bottom rail cut off recess 40. This will then permit the operatorto set the stop arm 92 at the appropriate position, to provide an endtrim of the blind, having a length which is shorter than the thicknessof the die plate itself.

[0108] As also illustrated in FIGS. 8, and 9 and 10, it is possible toprovide for operation of the blind slat cutting blade, in synchronismwith the operation of the die plate for cutting the headrail and bottomrail. This may be achieved, by means of connecting the drive shaft 74driving the blade assembly, by means of a cross bolt 120, to a lostmotion linkage 122. Lost motion linkage 122 has a slotted opening 124 toreceive bolt 120, thereby allowing the linkage 122 to move apredetermined distance, before it engages bolt 120.

[0109] The other end of linkage 122 is connected (FIGS. 9 and 10) to aconnecting link 126. Connecting link 126 is connected within a slottedrecess 128 in drive hub 52.

[0110] In this way when the arm 54 is swung toward the operator torotate drive hub 52, so as to cut the headrail and bottom rail, apredetermined distance, swinging of the arm 54 a further distance willcause movement of the bolt 120, and connecting rod 74 thereby causingmovement of the blade assembly for shearing the ends of the blind slats.

[0111] In this way a single manual movement can provide for cutting ofall three components of a blind.

[0112] As explained on Page 12 it may be desirable to provide thatcutting of the headrail takes place first, and the bottom rail is cut insequence. This can also be achieved as shown in FIG. 12. The die plate30 can have a separate portion 30A, and lost motion links 130 connect itwith die plate 30. This would achieve cutting of the two components insequence.

[0113] Cutting of the headrail and bottom rail may take place in variousorientations and directions. The FIG. 1 embodiment illustrates adiagonal cutting orientation.

[0114] However cutting could equally well take place in various otherorientations. FIG. 13 for example illustrates cutting in a verticalorientation. In this case a main body 140 having headrail and bottomrail openings 142 and 144 as provided, similar to FIG. 1 embodiment. Atransverse blind-slat cutting assembly 146 generally similar to the FIG.1 embodiment is also provided. However in order to shear the headrailand bottom rail, a vertical shear member 148 is provided, mounted in atransverse guide plate 150. A drive cam 152 is mounted to a rotatabledrive hub (not shown) and drives the shear 148 in manner similar to thedie cutting plate of FIG. 1. In this case, however the movement isvertically, downwardly, and upwardly.

[0115] Plate 150 would have an opening 151 to receive the ends of theblind components.

[0116] A headrail shear blade 154 is provided is provided on one side ofthe shear member 148 and a bottom rail shear blade 156 is provided onthe other side registering with the respective headrail and bottom railopenings 142 and 144. Between the two shear blades there is arectangular clearance space 158, the purposes of which is to fit aroundeither side of the blind slat portion S, extending through the main body140.

[0117] It will also be seen that in this embodiment, by the operation ofthe cam 152 the entire shear member 148 will be driven downwardly. Thiswill cause the two shear blades 154 and 156 to cut the headrail and thebottom rail. After this, the shear member 148 will be raised upwardly,and cutting of the blind slats S can then proceed in the manner alreadydescribed above.

[0118] It will of course be appreciated that the illustration of twocutting orientations namely diagonal, and vertical, is merely for thesake of illustration and without limitation to the scope of theinvention. The invention is deemed to comprehend all such cuttingorientations as may produce the desired result.

[0119] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the invention may also be carried outusing two separate manual controls, for cutting various of the blindcomponents separately by separate manual operations.

[0120] In this case, a base plate 170 is shown fitted with a blindcomponent holder member 172. Holder member 172 has a generallyrectangular slotted opening 174 to receive the headrail of the blind,and a generally C-shaped opening 176 to receive the bottom rail of theblind. A cutting die plate 178 may be provided, in this case of asimilar design to that illustrated in the FIG. 1 embodiment. It willalso have suitable cutting openings (not shown) registering with theheadrail opening 174 and the bottom rail opening 176, for cutting theheadrail and the bottom rail. It may be operated by a cam 180 and an arm182.

[0121] In this way, the headrail and the bottom rail of the blind may becut either simultaneously or in sequence (as described above) byoperation of the manual arm 172.

[0122] The blind slats in this embodiment would be supported in theblind slat openings 184,186, separated by the supporting partition 190.This enables the blind slats to be arranged in the two openings 184,186,so that they will not all be bunched while they are being cut, but maybe grouped in separate bundles, for reasons described above.

[0123] A cutting blade 192, for cutting the blind slats, would beoperated by means of rods 194 and 196, and wheel 198 and handle 200.

[0124] In this way, the cutting of the headrail and the bottom rail isachieved by one manual operation, and the cutting of the blind slats isachieved by another manual operation.

[0125] In some circumstances it is also desirable to be able to trim thewidth of a vertical blind. Typical vertical blinds have a headrail withcontrol rods extending the length of the headrail. Runners within theheadrail support a plurality of vertical slats in known manner.

[0126] In some cases at a point of sale a customer may require that thevertical blind be trimmed as to width.

[0127] This can be achieved by the modification shown in FIG. 16.

[0128] In this case the support body 202 is formed with a furthergenerally U-shaped recess 204 which is shaped to receive the headrail ofa vertical blind. Head rail and control rod holes 206-206 are formedside by side, within the space enclosed by the headrail recess 204. Thecutting die plate 208, located on the other side of body 202, isprovided with a matching cutting opening (not shown) and cutting holes(not shown) for cutting the vertical blind headrail rods and controlrods.

[0129] Depending on the length of the headrail that is cut off, one ormore runners and vertical blind slats (not shown) will also be removedby simply sliding them out of the open end of the headrail.

[0130] The above-noted apparatus is satisfactory for cutting blindstypically having a blind slat width of around one inch or so, and alsofor trimming vertical slat blinds.

[0131] However, there also exist blinds of a somewhat different typehaving slats of a greater width, typically in the region two inches.Blinds of this type may be fabricated of somewhat different material andmay be shaped somewhat differently. In particular the bottom slat orrail may be of solid material and formed with flat planar sides.

[0132] Thus while the modified form of two inch blind may have anappearance generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, the bottom rail Bis a solid member, typically formed of extruded thermo plastic materialor the like, and the blind slats themselves may well typically be formedof thin metallic-strip material similar to the one inch blinds butsimply wider. The top rail is again of typically rectangular channelshape in section but will typically be approximately two inches widerather than one inch wide as in the case of the smaller blinds.

[0133] When cutting this type of modified blind therefore because thebottom rail B is made of a somewhat softer material, and has simply aflat planar section (FIG. 18) it is possible to perform the cuttingoperation of the bottom rail B more or less simultaneously with thecutting of the blind slats themselves.

[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 this modified embodiment of theinvention will be seen to comprise a main body plate 220, mounting on asuitable base to 222.

[0135] The main body 220 is provided with a bottom rail recess 224, twoblind slat recesses 226-228, and a head rail recess 230 (FIG. 24).

[0136] The main body 220 is further provided with a pair of generallyhorizontal spaced apart guide rails 232 and 234, and a pair of generallydiagonally guide rails 236 and 238. The main body 220 is also providedwith a bearing body 240 with a bearing recess 242 therein.

[0137] There are two cutting blade blocks, namely a first cutting bladeblock 244 (FIGS. 18 and 24) and a second diagonal cutting blade block246. First cutting blade block 244 has an upstanding attachment lug 248for reasons described below. First cutting blade block 244 further has abottom rail cutting recess 250, and a first blind slat cutting recess252. There are three cutting blades mounting on first cutting block 244namely a bottom rail cutting blade 254, a first blind slat cutting blade256 and a second blind slat cutting blade 258.

[0138] The blades 254, 256 and 258 register respectively with the edgesof openings 224, 226 and 228, in main body 220 (FIGS. 18 and 24).

[0139] In order to cut the head rail of a blind, the diagonal cuttingblock 246 is formed with a head rail cutting die 260, which is adaptedin one position to register with the head rail opening recess 230 in themain body 220.

[0140] The recesses 224, 226, 228 and 230 in the main body 220 are allaligned along a common horizontal axis, so that the blind componentsnamely the bottom rail, the bundles of slats, and the head rail can beslid into the respective recesses simultaneously, without disturbing thearrangement of the blind itself.

[0141] Similarly the recesses in the blade block 244 namely 250, 252 andthe blades 254, 256, and 258 all register with respective openings 224,226 and 228.

[0142] The head rail cutting die 260 registers with the head rail recess230, and again the blades and cutting die are all aligned along ahorizontal axis.

[0143] In order to move the blade block 244, and also to move the dieblock 246, a drive shaft 262 is rotatably mounted in bearing recess 242in bearing body 240. Shaft 262 is connected to a manual operating lever264, by means of which shaft 262 may be rotated to and fro.

[0144] A stub shaft 266 extends from shaft 262 along an eccentric axis.Stub shaft 266 engages in bearing 268, which is in turn received in adrive recess 270 in blade block 246.

[0145] In this way, rotation of shaft 262 by lever 268 will cause theeccentric stub shaft 266 to apply a diagonal movement to blade block246. It will be noted that the diagonal location of the stub shaft 266relative to the drive shaft 262 causes a very substantial mechanicaladvantage as between the operation of the lever 264 and the shaft 262,so as to provide adequate cutting force, to move the cutting die 260(FIG. 23) relative to the headrail recess 224, and produce a cleanshearing action.

[0146] In order to move blade block 244, connecting rod 272 is connectedbetween lug 248, and lever 262. Thus rotational swinging movement ofmanual lever 264 will cause rod 272 to move the entire blade block 244,thereby shearing the bottom rail, and the blind slats progressively asthe blade block 244 moves along its linear horizontal axis.

[0147] In order to provide an end stop for the bottom rail, blind slats,and headrail, so that the length being cut off can be preset byadjusting the end stop and setting it to a predetermined position, anend stop is provided generally as shown in FIGS. 17, 25 and 26.

[0148] The actual end stop consists of a generally Z-shaped plate member274, having an upper stop portion 276 adapted to register with thevarious blades and cutting recesses along the predetermined horizontalaxis referred to, and having a lower adjustment portion 278, which isslidably mounted on a pair of bearing sleeves 280 slidably mounted onparallel slide bars 282.

[0149] A hand-operated screw lock 284 permits the end stop 274 to beadjusted to and fro along the bearing sleeves 280. It will beappreciated from FIGS. 17 and 18, that there is a mounting body 286extending between the two sleeves 280, and having an adjustablefastening groove 288 for receiving a nut (not shown) connected to screw284. Shafts 282 are mounted on any suitable base frame and legsindicated generally as 290.

[0150] In this way, the end stop plate 276 can be adjusted towards oraway from the main body 220 and blade blocks 244 and 246, and willeffectively stop the insertion of the blind components namely the bottomrail, the blind slats, and the headrail, beyond the point where theycontact the stop 276.

[0151] The position of the stop 276 can be adjusted by operating thescrew 284 and sliding the entire plate 278 to and fro.

[0152] It will of course be appreciated that once the actual cuts havetaken place, that it is desirable to have the end stop 276 moved away sothat the cutoff portions can readily be cleared away.

[0153] This movement is achieved by means of a guide plate 292 connectedto the underneath of body 286, and extending outwardly to one sidethereof. Plate 292 is provided with a diagonal linear slot 294. Acontrol pin 296 extends through slot 294, pin 296 being mounted in bladeblock 244, whereby movement of blade block 244 will move the pin 296,along the diagonal slot 244 thereby causing movement of the plate 292and associated body 286 away from the blade blocks 244 and 246.

[0154] It will thus be seen that in this embodiment of the invention,cutting of the bottom rail and blind slats will take place as a resultof movement of the cutting block 244 and its associated blades 254, 256and 258, and cutting or shearing of the headrail will take place as aresult of the diagonal movement of the block 246, and the shearingaction between the headrail opening 224 in the main body 220, and theheadrail cutting die 260 in the diagonal cutting block 246.

[0155] The operation of the end stop and its movement to and fro isself-explanatory from the above description.

[0156] According to a further embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and28, a modified form of end trimming device is illustrated generally as300. It has a main body 302, and a first horizontal cutting block 304,and a second diagonal cutting block 306.

[0157] These two cutting blocks are provided with the usual openingsindicated as 308, 310 and 312 for cutting respectively, the bottom rail,the bundles of blind slats and the head rail.

[0158] In order to reduce the loading on the manual cutter mechanism, inthis embodiment of the invention, there are two manual mechanisms. Thefirst manual cutter mechanism comprises the shaft and block 314 operatedby a first arm 316. An offset crank pin 318 connects a linkage 320 to anupright post 322 for moving block 304.

[0159] This mechanism is not connected in any way to the diagonal block306.

[0160] The diagonal block 306 is however moved by an eccentric rotarycam 323, which is received in opening 324 in block 306. The cam 323 isoperated by a shaft (not shown) which is in turn operated by a manuallever 326.

[0161] Thus in this mechanism, the bottom slat and the bundles of blindslats and the headrail are all placed in their respective openings. Thefirst lever 316 is then operated to cut the bottom rail and the bundlesof blind slats by moving the block 304 horizontally.

[0162] When that has been completed, then the second lever 326 isoperated, so as to move the diagonal block 306 thereby cutting theheadrail.

[0163] It will of course be appreciated that this device will usually beprovided with suitable end stops of the type shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 25and 26.

[0164] The operation of the cam 324 will be similar to that illustratedin FIG. 22.

[0165] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention which is given here by way of example only. The invention isnot to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described,but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for trimming of blinds of the typehaving a plurality of blind components including a blind headrail havinga generally rectangular three sided channel shaped profile, a blindbottom rail having a first-generally arcuate profile, and a plurality ofblind slats, each having a second generally arcuate profile, andcomprising; a support body, said support body defining a blind headrailopening, a blind bottom rail opening, and at least one blind slatopening, said blind headrail opening, said blind bottom rail opening,and said at least one blind slat opening being aligned along atransverse axis; at least one partition in said blind slat opening forseparating said blind slats into groups of blind slats whereby saidgroups of blind slats are cut in sequence; a blind headrail cutterlocated alongside said support body; a blind bottom rail and slat cutterfor cutting said blind bottom rail and said blind slats, said bottomrail and slat cutter being movable along a cutting axis, wherein saidblind slat opening is located between said blind headrail cuttingopening and said blind bottom rail cutting opening, spaced apart fromone another along said transverse axis; a guide on said support body formovably supporting said blind headrail cutter, said guide defining apredetermined blind headrail cutter movement axis, whereby said blindheadrail cutter is movable relative to said blind headrail opening insaid support body; a first driver connected to said blind bottom railand slat cutter for moving said blind bottom rail and blind slat cutterto cut said blind bottom rail and said blind slat groups; and, a seconddriver connected to said blind headrail cutter for moving said blindheadrail cutter.
 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidblind headrail opening, said blind bottom rail opening and said blindslat opening in said support body, are aligned along a transverse axis,and wherein said blind headrail opening, and said blind bottom railopening and said blind bottom rail and slat cutter are also alignedalong a transverse axis.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 whereinsaid first driver moves said bottom rail and blind slat cutter a firstpredetermined cutting distance and wherein said second driver moves saidheadrail cutter a second predetermined cutting distance and wherein saidsecond distance is less than said first distance.
 4. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 and wherein said blind bottom rail and blind slatcutter is slidably mounted on said support body, and being movablerelative to said blind bottom rail opening and to said blind slatopening, to cut said blind bottom rail and said blind slats, uponmovement of said blind bottom rail and slat cutter.
 5. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 4 including a blind slat support surface defining apredetermined profile at one end of said slat opening, said partitionhaving a support surface of a predetermined profile similar to saidblind slat support, and mounted on said support body and wherein saidslat cutter has at least one blade defining a predetermined profilecorresponding to said profile of said blind slat support and surfaces,whereby said blind slats are supported by said blind slat support, andare trimmed in accordance with said predetermined profile.
 6. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second driver for movingsaid headrail cutter comprises a manually operable lever mounted in saidsupport body, and a transmission connecting said lever with saidheadrail cutter for transmitting movement of said manual lever theretoand including a blind slat cutter rod connected to said-manual lever andoperable to cause movement of said blind bottom rail and slat cutter. 7.An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including an end stop adjacent saidheadrail cutter, for engaging said blind components, whereby to define apredetermined length of cut thereof, a linkage plate connected to saidend stop and a movement pin connected to said linkage plate andresponsive to movement of said headrail cutter, whereby to move said endstop free of said headrail cutter and free of said blind bottom rail andslat cutter.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, and wherein saidblind slat opening in said support body is located between said blindheadrail opening and said blind bottom rail opening in said supportbody.
 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support bodydefines first and second sides, and wherein said blind components areinsertable through said support body from said first side, and whereinsaid blind bottom rail and cutter and said headrail cutter are locatedon said second side of said support body.
 10. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 9 and including a further blind headrail opening and a furtherblind headrail recess in said headrail cutter.
 11. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 including a first manual lever connected to saidfirst driver for moving said blind bottom rail and slat cutter, andsecond manual lever connected to said second driver for moving saidblind headrail cutter, said first and second manual levers beingoperable separately and at different times from one another.
 12. A blindcut-down apparatus for trimming the slat length of a blind having atleast a head rail component, and blind slat components suspended fromthe head rail, and comprising; a blind holding plate having a head railopening for holding a head rail component; a first blind slat openingfor holding a first group of blind slat components; and holding them inposition for cutting; a second blind slat opening, spaced from saidfirst blind slat opening, for holding a second group of blind slatcomponents separate from said first group, and holding said second groupof blind slats in position for cutting; a blind slat group separatorbetween said first and second slat openings for holding said first andsecond slat groups apart from one another. at least one clamp forclamping said blind components in position in said first and secondblind slat openings, for cutting; at least one cutter moveable relativeto said blind holding plate, for cutting at least one of said head railand said first and second groups of blind slats extending through saidfirst and second openings and clamped in said holding plate, and amovement transmission for moving said at least one cutter.
 13. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 12 including a drive shaft defining anaxis; a cam rotatably mounted eccentrically on said drive shaft by apredetermined first arc radius wherein rotation of said drive shaftcauses rotation of said cam along said first arc radius, which causesmovement of said cutter for cutting at least one said headrail.
 14. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 13 including a drive hub mountedconcentrically on said drive shaft and linkage mounted on said drivehub, said linkage mounted at a first end to said drive hub with apredetermined second arc radius, said linkage mounted at a second end tosaid at least one cutter for cutting at least one said groups of blindslats, rotation of said drive shaft causing a rotation of said drive hubwhich causes movement of said linkage along a second arc axis whichcauses movement of said at least one cutter for cutting at least onesaid groups of blind slats, and wherein said rotation of said driveshaft also causes movement of said cam, wherein said second arc radiusis greater than said first arc radius.
 15. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 14 including a lost-motion mechanism linking said linkage and saidcam, wherein said cutter for cutting at least one headrail and saidcutter for cutting at least one said groups of blind slats begin movingat different times in response to movement of said cam.
 16. An apparatusfor trimming blinds of the type having a head rail with a predeterminedgenerally U-shaped profile, a bottom rail and a plurality of blindslats, said apparatus being adapted to trim the length of said headrail, said bottom rail and said blind slats and comprising: a supportbody defining a head rail opening having substantially the samegenerally U-shaped contour of said head rail of said blind, a pluralityof slat openings and a bottom rail opening; a head rail cutterpositioned proximate said head rail opening and adapted to cut apredetermined amount of material from said head rail; a slat cutterpositioned proximate said slat openings and adapted to cut the samepredetermined amount of material from each of said first and secondbundles of slats extending through said first and second slat openings;a bottom rail cutter positioned approximate said bottom rail and adaptedto cut said predetermined amount of material from said bottom rail; andsaid head rail cutter, said slat cutter and said bottom rail cutterbeing linked to each other to operate in synchronism.
 17. An apparatusas claimed in claim 16 wherein said slat openings in said support bodyare located between said head rail opening and said bottom rail opening.18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 further comprising an end stopto engage free ends of said head rail, said slats and said bottom railto define said predetermined length for trimming.
 19. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 18 wherein said head rail cutter and said slat cuttersare positioned between said end stop and said support body.
 20. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein said head rail opening, saidslat openings and said bottom rail opening are aligned along a firstcommon axis and wherein said head rail cutter, said slat cutter and saidbottom rail cutter are aligned along a second common axis.
 21. Anapparatus for trimming blinds of the type having a head rail, a bottomrail and a plurality of blind slats, said apparatus being adapted totrim the length of said head rail, said bottom rail and said blind slatsand comprising: a support body defining a head rail opening havingsubstantially the same contour as said head rail of said blind; a headrail cutter positioned proximate said head rail opening and adapted tocut a predetermined amount of material from said head rail; a rotatablecam having an outer surface adapted to move said first cutter relativeto said head rail opening upon rotation of said cam; and a crankrotatably connected to said cam, whereby rotation of said crank causessaid cam to rotate and to urge said first cutter to move relative tosaid head rail opening.
 22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 whereinsaid cam moves said first cutter through direct contact with said firstcutter.
 23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 further comprising anopening in said support body for said slats.
 24. An apparatus as claimedin claim 23 further comprising a slat cutter positioned proximate saidslat opening and adapted to cut the same predetermined amount ofmaterial from said slats extending through said slat opening.
 25. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 24 further comprising a lost-motionmechanism linking said first and second cutters such that said first andsecond cutters begin moving at different times in response to saidcrank.
 26. An apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said first cutterbegins moving prior to said second cutter.
 27. An apparatus as claimedin claim 21 further comprising an end stop to engage a free end of saidhead rail to define said predetermined length for trimming.
 28. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein said head rail opening and saidslat opening are aligned along a common horizontal axis.
 29. Anapparatus for trimming blinds of the type having a head rail, a bottomrail and a plurality of blind slats, said apparatus being adapted totrim the length of said head rail, said bottom rail and said blind slatsand comprising: a support body defining first and second openings, eachof said first and second openings being adapted to receive at least oneof said head rail, said bottom rail and said slats; a first cutterpositioned proximate said first opening and adapted to cut apredetermined amount of material extending through said first opening; asecond cutter positioned proximate said second opening and adapted tocut a predetermined amount of material extending through said secondopening; a lost-motion mechanism linking said first and second cutterssuch that during one portion of the movement of a selected one of saidfirst and second cutters the other of said first and second cuttersremains stationary, and during a second portion of movement of saidselected one of said first and second cutters, the other of said firstand second cutters moves in conjunction with the movement of saidselected one of said first and second cutters.
 30. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 29 wherein said first opening is designed to receivesaid head rail, wherein said second opening is designed to receive saidslats, wherein said first cutter is designed to cut said head rail, andwherein said second cutter is designed to cut said slats.
 31. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein said first opening is designedto receive said head rail, wherein said second opening is designed toreceive said bottom rail, wherein said first cutter is designed to cutsaid head rail, and wherein said second cutter is designed to cut saidbottom rail.
 32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 29 further comprisinga rotatable cam wherein the surface of said cam causes the initialmovement of one of said first and second cutters and wherein said one ofsaid first and second cutters causes movement of the other of said firstand second cutters.
 33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 29 wherein atleast one of said first and second cutters moves between a startingposition and an ending position, and further comprising a spring toreturn said one of said first and second cutters from said endingposition to said starting position after cutting is completed.